Crisis management planning refers to the methodology used by executives to respond to and manage a crisis and is an integral part of a business resumption plan. Crisis Management Planning and Execution explores in detail the concepts of crisis management planning, which involves a number of crises other than physical disaster.
Defining the term crisis management plan, the book begins by explaining the business continuity plan and how it comprises the prevention, emergency response, and business resumption plans. It examines the stages of a crisis, the four steps needed to manage a crisis, and the executive management team section of the crisis management plan. The book deals with the crisis communications team and plan, reviews development of the crisis management plan, and discusses the command center. The book concludes by illustrating the importance of exercising the plan.
Providing a practical methodology, Crisis Management Planning and Execution teaches the business continuity/business resumption professional how to encourage executives to participate in the development of their sections of the crisis management plan. It incorporates a step-by-step process for crafting a plan unique to every company dealing with disasters.
Introduction
What is a “Crisis?”
Types of Crises.
How Do You Determine which Crises Could Strike Your Company?
Why do Companies Need a Crisis Management Plan?
Preventing a Crisis from Occurring
Summary
THE BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN – WHAT IS IT?
Introduction
The Prevention Element – Introduction
The Emergency Response Plans in the BCP
The Business Resumption Plans in the BCP
History & Evolution of the BCP
Summary
STAGES OF A CRISIS
Outline
Overview – Introduction
The Pre-Crisis Stage
The Acute-Crisis Stage
The Post-Crisis Stage
Summary
STEPS IN MANAGING A CRISIS
Overview
Take Charge Quickly
Establish the Facts
Tell Your Story
Fix the Problem
Summary
THE EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM
Introduction
Role - During the Pre-Crisis
Role - During the Acute Crisis
Role - During the Post-Crisis
Summary
Appendices
THE CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM
Overview
Who are the Members of the CMT?
Situation – New Crisis – New Circumstances
How will the Members of the CMT Perform their Crisis Management Activities Identified in the Service Level Agreement - If Their Offices are Affected?
Value of Exercising – the Crisis Management Team
Role in Documenting the CMT Service Level Agreement
Summary
THE CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
Overview
What is a Crisis Communications Plan?
Why does an Organization Need a Crisis Communications Plan?
Establish a Clearly Defined “Crisis Communications” Policy.
Who are the Members of the Crisis Communications Team?
Preparing the Spokesperson Work with the News Media?
Summary
DEVELOPING THE CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN
Outline
Role of the BCP Professional
Methodology to Assist the CMT Members to Develop & Document the CMP
Does Having a Documented Plan Guarantee Success?
Summary
CRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM – COMMAND CENTER
What is the Command Center
Key Functions
C.M.T. Command Center – Considerations
Locations
Justifying a Dedicated Command Center is a “Sore Thumb”
Resources Needed
The Y2K Crisis Management Command Center
Planning Extension
Summary
EXERCISING THE CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN Overview Clarification of Terms Exercise Responsibilities of the Crisis Management Administrator Planning the Exercise Performing the Exercise Value of Exercise Lessons from Other Organizations Experiences
Summary
Biography
Edward S. Devlin
“Devlin provides a clear, concise, and complete look at crisis management planning. He imparts his years of experience and knowledge to give us a look at the entire process. He provides us with the ‘how’s,’ the ‘why’s,’ and the ‘why not’s.’ In true Ed Devlin fashion, he tells it like it is.”
—From the foreword by Richard L. Arnold, CBCP,Publisher/Owner of the Disaster Recovery Journal
